Hopewell/Ambridge Preview; Game Prediction

Matt Mottes and the Hopewell Vikings football team are back in action tomorrow night at Tony Dorsett Stadium as they host the Ambridge Bridgers.

Hopewell will enter the game with a record of 1-1, while the Bridgers are 1-0, having defeated Western Beaver in Week One and then having last Friday’s game against Laurel Highlands suspended because of weather.

This is a big game for Hopewell as they’ll have the chance to move their record over .500 and pick up a win before upcoming games against Beaver and Avonworth.

Despite the loss last Friday against New Castle, the Vikings put plenty of good things on film that the coaching staff have to be happy and encouraged by.

One of the main things was their ability to run the football, led by freshman Brody Rock.

Courtesy Hopewell Sports Nation

Speaking of running the ball, that will be the way both teams will look to win this game. Under Mottes, Hopewell is looking to be a team that controls the line of scrimmage both offensively and defensively.

That will be the same plan of attack for Ambridge as they’ll attempt to out physical Hopewell by running the ball. Unlike last week where New Castle was able to use their speed for big plays, Ambridge won’t try to trick you offensively, they’ll run the football, and you have to be able to stop it.

Will the Vikings run defense be up to the test tomorrow night? Players such as Thomas Pipkins, Brian McCabe, Hank Berner and Nick Thomas will be key.

Ambridge will be keying on Rock so this could be an opportunity for quarterback James Armstrong to have a breakout game with his arm, along with his legs. OC Zach Rosa will want his offense to control the clock and using weapons like Logan Triscilla, Zander Muzy, Tre Cameron and Julian Baldwin in the short passing game could open things up for Rock, Pipkins and Josh Brunton in the run game.

Will Hopewell be able to start the season 2-1?

I believe they can and will do so.

PREDICTION: HOPEWELL 27 Ambridge 21